Week 16 Dec. 10-14

Thank you very much for your generous donations for Mission Arlington!!!  We appreciate it!

Math

We will review counting and writing numbers.  This is our last entry for the first semester.  We appreciate that you use this resource to help your child at home.  If you are looking for things to practice during the break feel free to continue to practice counting and writing the numbers.

Science

In Science we started learning about objects in the sky such as the moon, the sun and the stars.  We are focusing on the fact that day and night is a pattern. We encourage you to take your children outside and observe the night sky and describe what you see.  Below you can find the vocabulary we will be using in class.

Week 15- Dec.3-7

Math:

This week we will continue to work on concepts of measuring in different ways.  Kindergarten students need to explore measuring both using measurement tools and through informal exploration of measurable attributes while playing and exploring. This includes time to use different measurement tools, using balances, and having measurement tools.  It is critical for students to be able to identify and describe measurable attributes of objects. An object has different attributes that can be measured, like the height and weight of a can of food.  Below you will find vocabulary we will use this week.

Science:
Students have been observing and describing weather changes from day to day. This week our primary focus will be on seasons.  Students will make observations and relate weather patterns to the appropriate season.
Below you will find a song and the vocabulary we will use this week.

Week 13- Nov. 12-16

Parents,

Report cards went home today.  Please remember to sign them and send them back.  Below is a link in which Dr. Varnell explains our report card.

Report cards

Math: 

Next week we are reviewing counting and writing numbers correctly.  You can help at home with the video below.

Science:

We will continue to practice using positional words.  Please refer to last week's post for vocabulary.

Week 12 Nov.5-9

Hello third six weeks!


Math: 

This week we will review ways to count a group of objects.

Below is an example of a guiding question to help your child to analyze and understand better this skill:

 1.   How many objects are in the set(group)?

 Likewise, we will be continuing on practicing counting forwards and backwards and identifying numbers.


Science:
  
This week we will be introducing the Force, Motion, and Energy unit. Throughout the week, we will begin using positional words. Students will observe and describe the location of objects in relation to another object such as above, below, behind, in front of, etc. The vocabulary we will be using can be found below. Simon says (Simon dice) is a great game to play at home using these words!

Week 11 Oct.29-Nov.2

Math:
This week we will focus on one less than a given number.  This concept can be more abstract for kids.  You can help at home by reminding them that one less is like counting backwards or losing a Dojo point.  


Science:
These six weeks we are focusing on observing the properties of matter.  The students will observe how heating and cooling changes matter.  For example, we will conduct experiments that show objects when they are melted or frozen and we discuss how they change.  The main emphasis is for them to see the change from solid to liquid or liquid to solid.  Below you will find the vocabulary we will be using.

Week 10 Oct.22-26

Math

This upcoming week, we will be reinforcing different skills that we have been learning. We will be introducing the number line to make sense of numbers and to use as a resource to identify one number less and one more than a given number. This is a skill that we will continue to work on throughout the year. We will also be reviewing subitizing, recognizing dot arrangements instantly, and we encourage that you continue supporting your student at home. You may use ten frames, dice, dominoes, or even make your own form of dot arrangements. These are examples of resources to use at home: 

Science:

  

This week we will continue to utilize the five senses to observe different sources of light, heat, and sound by identifying similarities and differences when we conduct science experiments using real sources of sound. Please refer to last week's post for vocabulary.

Week 9 Oct.15-19

Math:

Another important number sense skill is recognizing instantly the quantity of a small group of objects in organized and random arrangements.  This is called subitizing.  By the end of the week, we will make our own dot arrangements using paper plates so that each student can practice at home.  This will provide an opportunity for you to "play" and recognize the arrangement of dots quickly without counting each dot.

Science:

As we continue learning these six weeks, we will be working on different types of energy. The focus will be on three different types: Heat, sound, and light. The students will be making observations on the relationship between these energies and the five senses. Students are also expected to identify sources of these energies such as distinguishing between a man-made light source and natural light source. As we learn about these types of energy through investigation, students will begin to understand that they can be observed, measured, and controlled in many different ways. This is a very complex concept, however, students have notions about energy and teachers can easily build on these notions. Below you will find the vocabulary we will be using for these concepts.

Week 8 Oct. 9-12

Parents,

Report cards went out today October 5th, 2018. Here is the link for the Corey newsletter. It contains an important message from Dr. Varnell about the report card.

https://www.smore.com/89unf

If you have any questions or concerns please email us.   Email will help us to make sure you get a reply quickly.  If it is an urgent message please call the office as well. For example, any changes for dismissal.

Upcoming Events

Oct. 8 - Holiday /No School

Picture day is October 9

Have a wonderful 3 day weekend!

Math

We will be continuing comparing 2 sets of objects using comparative language. For instance: the red group of Teddy bears have more/ less/equal than the yellow group. We will be using objects, dice, dominoes, and other manipulatives.  You can help at home by having your child count objects around the house and compare which has more/less/equal.

Science

In Science, we will be reading “The Three Little Pigs” in Spanish and we will focus on the texture of the characters and (setting) houses. Students will be using different materials to differentiate the textures that we studied last week. For example, the trunk of the tree is rough.  You can help at home by pointing out different textures such as rough, smooth, hard and soft.

Week 7 Oct.1-5

Math

We will be comparing two sets of objects using appropriate vocabulary to describe the amount of the set.  Below you can see the vocabulary we will focus on.

Vocabulary:

más- more
menos- less
igual- equal
mayor que- greater than
menos que- less than

Science

The week we are continuing to learn about the properties of matter but this week we will focus on the texture.  Below is the vocabulary we will be using.

Week 6 Sept. 24-28

Thank you for participating in the color of the day, it was very successful!

Math

This week we will continue to focus on counting.  We will start at a number and count.  For example, start from 3 and count forward and stop at 8.  You can help at home by asking your child to count from any number between 0-20 and having them stop at any number.  Another way to help is having your child help you count at home for example,counting toys, Legos, water bottles or anything else around the house. 

Science

This week we will focus on the attributes of shapes.  Through numerous experiences exploring and discussing shapes, students begin to understand that certain attributes define what a shape is called (number of sides, number of vertices, etc.) and that other attributes do not (color, size, orientation). 

Below you will find the vocabulary we will be using.

Week 5 Sept. 17-21

Parents:

This week we will learn the colors in Spanish class.  We would like for the students to wear a particular color each day of the week to reinforce what we are learning.  For example, if the color of the day is red, then the students will wear any clothing that is red.  The colors for each day are the following:

Monday:  Red/rojo

Tuesday:  Blue/azul

Wednesday:  Purple/morado

Thursday: Green/verde

Friday:  Black/negro

This is a fun option to review the colors and it is not mandatory.

MATH

This week we will learn to collect, sort, and organize data into two or three categories and describe how they are sorted.  For example, "I put all the red ones here, all of the blue ones here and the green ones here."  This is a skill that we will build on throughout the year.  Below you will find an example of what this looks like.

SCIENCE

This week we will describe the properties of matter by focusing on their color. You can help by pointing out real life examples by describing the color.  For example, an elephant is grey.

 Below you will find one of the songs we will use for colors and vocabulary.  

Week 4 Sept. 10-14

Dear Parents, 

Every Friday each child will be able to chose a prize from a reward menu and we will reset the dojo points back to zero.

Math

We will continue to learn to count in Spanish forwards and backwards from 0-10.  In addition, we will be reading, writing, and representing whole numbers from 0 to at least 10 with and without objects or pictures.  Feel free to use the song below:

Science

This upcoming week, we will begin learning about force. Students will begin exploring the interaction between magnets and various materials. As students observe how magnets interact with different objects, the students should be able to distinguish between magnetic materials and non-magnetic materials. It is important for students to know that energy, force, and motion are related and that they are a part of every day life. This week will be the last for this 6-week period and we saved the best for last, students love magnets! You can support your child at home simply by allowing them to do their own exploring at home with any type of magnet. Below you will find the vocabulary that will be important for students to acquire throughout the week.

WARNING! Keep magnets away from computers and TVs! :)

Week 3 Sept. 4th- 7th

 Welcome to Mrs. Ruiz's Blog!👦👧

                                2018-19

Below you will see what we are working on this coming week.

MATH
As students begin Kindergarten it is important that they explore the math tools they will be using and the core concepts that make up the math curriculum. These include counting, geometry, and sorting and classifying. These concepts will be gradually built to mastery of grade-level expectations over the course of the year.  

Currently we are using this song to help us count.  Feel free to use it at home.

SCIENCE


Students will observe and describe weather changes from day to day and over the seasons. The students will observe and describe weather conditions. In addition, students will record weather and compare changes from day to day and over the seasons. A routine of weather observation and recording will be established for the students to follow throughout the entire year.  Below you will find the vocabulary we will focus on this week.

Week 33 - April 30-May 4

Math
In Math this week, we will continue focusing on counting and reinforcing adding and subtracting. Please continue to support your child and practice counting up to 100. You may try starting to count from random numbers up to 100 so that your child can practice counting on.

Science
We are beginning to cover parts of a plant in Science. The students will be learning the parts of a plant and will be able to observe how a seed grows and how those parts start to appear after time. Below you will find the vocabulary we will be using in class. Have students practice using this academic vocabulary by having them explore the plants they have around the house and have them tell you the parts.

We have also created a song which the students may practice at home. Feel free to use this song at home for more vocabulary support. The kiddos just love to sing!

Week 32- April 23-27

Math
In Math this week, we will continue focusing on addition. As we go throughout the lessons, we will use different strategies to compose numbers. The students will demonstrate ways to make the same number. For example: 2+3=5, 1+4=5, 0+5.
Continue practicing adding and subtracting at home with your child as this will be the main focus for the next few weeks. Using story problems at home is always a great support for your child.
Also, please continue practicing the names of the 2D and 3D shapes.


Science
In Science, we will be reviewing the basic needs of living things. This will lead into our next unit that will focus on plants. The main focus for the week will be solely on the needs of plants and we will be comparing them to those of other living things such as animals. Below you can find the vocabulary we will be using in class throughout the week.

Week 28- Mar. 26-29

Math:

For the next two weeks, we will be reviewing skills such as counting forwards and backwards to 20 without skipping any numbers in order to be ready for the end of the school year.  Students will also have to identify 2D and 3D shapes.  In addition, we will review and demonstrate solving addition and subtraction problems independently using one or two strategies for example, drawing a picture or using a ten frame.  Feel free to reference previous blog posts for vocabulary. 

Science:

We are still working on our night and day unit until the the end of the six weeks.  Feel free to discuss with your child at home about what they notice in the sky during the day and during the night.

Thank you for all your support at home!

Week 26- Mar. 5-9

Math

In the next couple of weeks, we will continue working on adding and subtracting. While this is the main focus, we will also be reviewing shapes and other skills such as using number lines and graphs. The students have also begun to work on 2 more and 2 less and are focusing on using ten frames to practice this skill. You may use ten frames such as the one shown below and change out the quantities. An example of what you can ask your child is:

Teacher: "How many dots are on the ten frame?"

¿Cuántos puntos hay en el marco?

Student: 11 (once)

Teacher: "How do you know it?

¿Como lo sabes?

Teacher: "How much is 2 more? How much is 2 less?

¿Cuánto es 2 más/2 menos?

Student: 9 (nueve)

13 (trece)

Teacher: "How do you know it?

¿Como lo sabes?

Science

In Science we started learning about objects in the sky such as the moon, the sun and the stars.  We are focusing on the fact that day and night is a pattern.  We encourage you to take your children outside and observe the night sky and describe what you see.  Below you can find the vocabulary we will be using in class.

Week 25 Fe. 26-Mar. 2

Math:

This week we will introduce students to the concepts of measuring in different ways.  Kindergarten students need to explore measuring both using measurement tools and through informal exploration of measurable attributes while playing and exploring. This includes time to use different measurement tools, using balances, and having measurement tools.  It is critical for students to be able to identify and describe measurable attributes of objects. An object has different attributes that can be measured, like the height and weight of a can of food.  Below you will find vocabulary we will use this week.

Science:

This week we will learn to demonstrate how to use, conserve, and dispose of natural resources and materials such as conserving water and reusing or recycling paper, plastic, and metal.  You can have conversations at home about how you recycle.  Below you will find helpful vocabulary we will use throughout the week.

Week 23 Feb.12-16

Math:

This week we will focus in composing and decomposing numbers.  This helps students to begin to think flexibly about numbers in a way that connects between simply counting quantities to adding and subtracting them.  Once children can count quantities to 10 they need to begin to see the different ways these quantities can be broken up. At first this is done at the concrete level with students breaking apart trains of cubes or making groups of counters. Eventually students should begin to do this mentally.

We will create opportunities to play with the different ways to make number arrangements in class and you can also help with this at home. 

Science:

This week we will be learning about the bodies of water, what water is used for, and the clarity of water.  Below you can find the vocabulary we will be using as well.  

Week 22 Feb. 5-9

Math:

We are beginning to introduce 3-D shapes in which the focus will be to recognize these shapes in real-life objects. Below you will find the vocabulary we are using.

Science:

We will continue to look at different types of rocks and will be using some of the vocabulary we have used throughout the year to describe the different characteristics. We will be focusing on the texture, color, and size of the rocks. We also will be discussing what rocks are used for and what materials can be found in them (this includes rocks being used to build buildings/other structures and some minerals that can be used for other purposes). For home support, you can simply go outside and see what kind of rocks you have in your neighborhood. 

Week 21 Jan.29-Feb.2

Math:

This week in Math, our primary focus will be subtracting. We will be using different strategies to solve problems and practice the skill of taking away numbers. The strategies we use include using different resources in order to see the problem visually such as using ten frames, number lines, and pictures. We always remind our students that these are skills they can practice at home using many different things. Food is always a great way to start! "You had 10 grapes and you ate 4. How many do you have left?" Below you will find the vocabulary we use in class while working on subtraction.

Science:
This week in Science, we will begin our unit on rocks. Students will be looking at different types of rocks and will be using some of the vocabulary we have used throughout the year to describe the different characteristics. We will be focusing on the texture, color, and size of the rocks. We also will be discussing what rocks are used for and what materials can be found in them (this includes rocks being used to build buildings/other structures and some minerals that can be used for other purposes). For home support, you can simply go outside and see what kind of rocks you have in your neighborhood. Ask your child questions on how they can describe what it looks like and what do they think the rock is made from. Below you can find the vocabulary we will be using this week.

Week 20 Jan. 22-26

MATH

This week we will continue with counting strategies. As you know, our goal is for students to count fowards and backwards from 0-20 with and without objects. We love seeing them progress! We count beyond 20 on a daily basis and encourage you to do so at home. We will also be focusing on ten frames. Students are expected to recognize instantly the quantity of dots on a ten frame. Since our focus is 0-20, we are using double ten frames and practicing one less and one more. Counting on can be a difficult concept to grasp so this is also something we encourage you to practice at home. For example:
How many dots do you see on the frames? Can you tell me how much is one more? How much is one less?
Students must know the quantity without counting and at first glance. Counting on will greatly assist the students. 

 

 SCIENCE

We are reading fables and describing the animal characters using our five senses.  We are reviewing the texture vocabulary as well as the parts of the animals.

Week 19 Jan. 16-19

Math

As we continue number work, the focus for the week will be on counting fowards and backwards to 20. We are also beginning to introduce letter sounds in Spanish.  Below is a video you can use to support your child at home.


https://youtu.be/520y5PH2tVk

Sonidos Iniciales en Español Beginning Sounds in Spanish youtu.be

Science

This week we  have been learning about animals and their characteristics.  Each student has picked an animal to focus on and describe it's characteristics.  Below is a list of the vocabulary we will be focusing on as we learn about each animal.